The role played by intermediary organizations in delivering benefits to veld product producers : the case of Kgetsi-ya-Tsie

This study examines and analyses the role played by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that act as intermediary organizations that help to bring benefits to veld product harvesters. It also examines the nature of these benefits, with a focus on Kgetsi-ya-Tsie (KyT) in the Tswapong region of eastern Botswana. Specific objectives were to examine how KyT has helped veld product harvesters maximize benefits from natural resources; to analyse the institutional capacity, structure, and relationships that affect decisionmaking processes to distribute benefits; and to examine who and how many people benefited from KyT and why they benefited. Intermediaries such as KyT identify market linkages between producers and markets. They are able to build on the strengths of traditional skills and knowledge by infusion of technologies, capital and innovative practices. Thus they are able to equip local communities with new skills and capabilities to market and run profitable enterprises. Through detailed investigation of KyT it is concluded that producers have benefited from the involvement with the organization. The values of products have been enhanced through quality control, labelling, packaging, marketing and sales. Not only have markets been secured, but prices to producers have also improved through KyT. Producers have also benefited through skills acquisition and social empowerment.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Phuthego, Thokomelo

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Wynberg, Rachel

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4795

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/4795